Tag Archives: history

Scipio Takes Command

Posted on February 16, 2017 by

Scipio was the man who finally beat Hannibal on the battlefield. Bronze bust of Scipio Africanus in the the Naples National Archaeological Museum (Inv. No. 5634), dated mid 1st century BC, from the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, modern … Continue reading →

Posted in archaeology, books, Hannibal, history, Romans, Scipio Africanus, Spain, warfare | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Emperor Meets His Natural Son

Posted on February 25, 2015 by

The Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain) “Gómez!” “Sire?” “Put my leg up.” The servant stooped down to see that the board holding up the Emperor’s left leg was solid, then cranked it higher. The orthopedic chair was an … Continue reading →

Posted in books, history, Spain, travel | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Giddy-up, Aristotle

Posted on August 17, 2014 by

This looks like a medieval version of Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly singing “True Love.” But it isn’t anything like that. Those aren’t earphones or the man’s microphone but a…bridle. The woman is riding him. She is Phyllis the Courtesan … Continue reading →

Posted in 1, Alexander the Great, Aristotle, art, Basel, France, history, Humanism, Lai d' Aristot, middle ages, philosophy, Phyllis, Renaissance, Toledo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Roman Engineering

Posted on August 11, 2014 by

One of the most impressive Roman constructions you will ever see is the aqueduct of Segovia, Spain. Aqueduct of Segovia (file photo) It still brings good water down from the mountains fifteen kilometers away. For most of that distance the … Continue reading →

Posted in archaeology, engineering, history, Romans, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Napoleon’s Humor

Posted on October 26, 2010 by

Can you picture Napoleon Bonaparte giggling? Caulaincourt says he started joking while they were riding incognito through enemy country in a rickety sleigh and nearly freezing. Who was Caulaincourt? Napoleon’s Master of the Horse. Caulaincourt’s book, With Napoleon in Russia, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, history, Napoleon, war | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Caesar’s Army: Basic Facts

Posted on September 19, 2010 by

Organization A LEGION comprised 6000 soldiers. It was made up of 10 COHORTS, each containing 600 soldiers. The cohort was composed of 3  MANIPLES (200 soldiers each). A maniple contained  2 CENTURIES (one hundred men = a century) and their … Continue reading →

Posted in 1, Caesar, history, Romans, sword, war, warfare | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The Tomb of Hercules

Posted on July 15, 2009 by

The most famous ancient sanctuary in Western Europe was in Cadiz,  in old Spain. Hercules was buried there. Hercules Monument at Cadiz, Spain There was an oracle. You could ask her questions and get a cryptic reply or an interpretation … Continue reading →

Posted in 1, Hercules, history, Romans, sanctuary, Spain | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments